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  1. #1
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    Aug 2011
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    Bennett (Denver metro), Colorado
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    Default Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    I have never seen this before. The furnace was replaced about 20 years ago and the flue looks like it was shoved up into an existing flue that goes through the roof deck. The flue is about 3-4" inside the larger flue. Is this permitted?

    The photo is in the attic.resize.jpg

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Plano, Texas
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    4,245

    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    I would suspect the roof flashing is incorrect. The roof flashing should fit the newer pipe with all the same manufacturers listed components including roof flashing, storm collar, and cap. I'd bet this one is just stuck up inside a "universal" bonnet style which is no Bueno.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Caledon, Ontario
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    Something is amiss. Water staining on flue, rust staining...


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    No that is not correct. I don't think you will find any manufacturer that will allow that design. The flue gases in the new pipe are condensing before they get out of the home and that is why we see the stains.

    I'm curious as to how long is the flue pipe from the furnace to the top of the roof?

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  5. #5
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    Bennett (Denver metro), Colorado
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    Water stains date back. The shingles were replaced last month. The boot jack was installed correctly.

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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    Quote Originally Posted by Lon Henderson View Post
    The flue is about 3-4" inside the larger flue. Is this permitted?
    No.

    The Type B gas vent needs to extend through the roof and be connected to a proper Type B gas vent cap, the parts connect together in a way which seals the inner vent so that the combustion by-products are vented up and through to the outdoors ... not into the other vent where they may, or may not, vent to the outdoors.

    Looks like someone went to extra work to not do the extra work necessary when it was installed, and will be going through even more extra work to correct it, including re-doing the shingles around a proper Type B gas vent and its flashings when it is replaced.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    No.
    Thanks. That is what I suspected but I was having trouble finding a reference that addressed this.
    It also occurred to me that depending on wind direction and velocity, you might get backdrafting through this arrangement into the attic.

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  8. #8
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    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    Quote Originally Posted by Lon Henderson View Post
    Thanks. That is what I suspected but I was having trouble finding a reference that addressed this.
    The code and the venting type required (Type B gas vents) and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

    It also occurred to me that depending on wind direction and velocity, you might get backdrafting through this arrangement into the attic.
    Might?

    I suspect that there likely will be, but I would call is "spilllage" rather than "backdrafting" as the combustion byproducts will spill out the end of the Type B gas vent, some going up due to heat rising, some going back down due to gravity - unless there is another overpowering force ... gravity *always* "wins".

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
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    Fl
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    17

    Default Re: Newer furnace flue slipped inside larger flue

    It's difficult to evaluate from your photo. If that B vent simply terminates in the old roof flashing.... that's a serious void and the furnace should be tagged until a remedy is made by a gas or mechanical contractor. It is true as posted - the mfg brand of B vent can not be comingled with other brands. However, to my knowledge there is no probation to employing an oversize roof collar (penetration) as long as an appropriate storm collar and the B vent extends to the correct height and support. You can see detailed drawings in NFPA54 and consult the mfg installation guidelines of the vent pipe.


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